Newbie tackling first camper conversion.

[Kedlestone]

Hi all! New to the forum and vans.

I’m looking to take on my first panel van to camper conversion in a T6 SWB. There seems to be a wealth of info online for conversions, videos blogs etc.

I’m hoping to keep a diary of the build and update here as I go. I’ll almost certainly be asking for tips and advise on various aspects of the build when I get stuck.

If there are any how to’s or build posts that I might find helpful feel free to post up the links.

The pop top roof and the windows will be done by a 3rd party but I plan to do everything else myself, hopefully all within a month or two if all goes to plan.

Anyway, first things first and I’m hopefully off to view a petrol FWD T6 soon. It’s super low mileage, FSH, AC, manual, colour coded body. I know a petrol isn’t that common, it’s 150 bhp and can be mapped for a bit more of needed, although I don’t plan on doing so.

Looking forward to starting the build.

 

[JOG]

Hi and welcome to the Forum. You’ll find it a great source of info and advice. If you’re embarking on a build like that, you might find taking out the VIP membership of use to get access to the “Guides” and other goodies!

 

[Kedlestone]

Thanks very much!

 

[boxelder]

I found the Combe Valley Campers videos really useful - lots of places where things can be done better/differently, so I'm not claiming they are the way to go, but it gives a good feel for how to go about the main jobs and there's a lot there. Don't get drawn into thinking that you have to do everything everyone else does - it's expensive enough so think about whether you 'need' certain things. I didn't bother with a pop top this time. Had one previously and the kids slept up there and it was useful space for them to hang out. Never really bothered about the extra headroom though, and I'm 6' 3", and getting in and out to sleep is a pain in the arse. I can sit down and cook etc, and get out of the van if I want to stand up. The cash saved there buys a lot of extras. I find twin single seats (with passenger swivel) in the front makes much more of a difference space wise (needed a double bench with kids). Do you need 240v electrics, when an extension cable with correct fittings works just fine? Just my penny's worth. Good luck and enjoy the process.

 

[Kedlestone]

I found the Combe Valley Campers videos really useful - lots of places where things can be done better/differently, so I'm not claiming they are the way to go, but it gives a good feel for how to go about the main jobs and there's a lot there. Don't get drawn into thinking that you have to do everything everyone else does - it's expensive enough so think about whether you 'need' certain things. I didn't bother with a pop top this time. Had one previously and the kids slept up there and it was useful space for them to hang out. Never really bothered about the extra headroom though, and I'm 6' 3", and getting in and out to sleep is a pain in the arse. I can sit down and cook etc, and get out of the van if I want to stand up. The cash saved there buys a lot of extras. I find twin single seats (with passenger swivel) in the front makes much more of a difference space wise (needed a double bench with kids). Do you need 240v electrics, when an extension cable with correct fittings works just fine? Just my penny's worth. Good luck and enjoy the process.

Thanks for that! I’m certainly open to doing things different ways where possible. As far as the build layout goes it won’t stray too far from the well trodden path, but I will be hoping to add my own touch on it in places. I have a background in electrics and a friend of mine has done his own conversion and is keen to lend a hand where possible, so hopefully along with the tips online I’m hoping it will be a great experience.

One question I was going to ask was regarding the squeaking noises that sometimes appear once you have fully installed everything. I’m my line of work I often have to live/travel on tour buses, which are built out not so different from campers, just on a larger scale. To eliminate squeaks they fit a type of rubber strip between everything that touches body of the coach and the furniture. Doing this has proven to stop all manner of squeaks and noises. Having been on various buses it’s clear to see the ones that have been built uses this material and the ones that haven’t. Is anything like this used in camper conversions?

 

[boxelder]

The squeaks I have are on swivel seats and the frame of the sliding RIB bed, so wouldn't help. Any reason you couldn't just use the stuff you know about? I guess furniture is usually fitted against carpet, so no squeaking.

 

[mommabear]

There are lots of ways to do a camper - have fun mate

 

[Kedlestone]

Found 2 contenders to buy after loosing out on many others. It seems the good low mileage ones don’t hang about more than a day, if that! Both of them are kombi’s, one is a T32 LWB, tailgate trend line with 50k and the other is a T28 SWB with barn doors and 55k on the clock. The T28 looks nicer externally, (body kit and alloys) the T32 is very clean also but plan white which I’m just a bit unsure on. Both within a few thousand £ of each other. Viewing the T28 this weekend.

 

[Ozi]

Found 2 contenders to buy after loosing out on many others. It seems the good low mileage ones don’t hang about more than a day, if that! Both of them are kombi’s, one is a T32 LWB, tailgate trend line with 50k and the other is a T28 SWB with barn doors and 55k on the clock. The T28 looks nicer externally, (body kit and alloys) the T32 is very clean also but plan white which I’m just a bit unsure on. Both within a few thousand £ of each other. Viewing the T28 this weekend.

You could always spray the bottom half for a two tone paint job with the white T32

 

[Rich Green]

Hi all! New to the forum and vans.

I’m looking to take on my first panel van to camper conversion in a T6 SWB. There seems to be a wealth of info online for conversions, videos blogs etc.

I’m hoping to keep a diary of the build and update here as I go. I’ll almost certainly be asking for tips and advise on various aspects of the build when I get stuck.

If there are any how to’s or build posts that I might find helpful feel free to post up the links.

The pop top roof and the windows will be done by a 3rd party but I plan to do everything else myself, hopefully all within a month or two if all goes to plan.

Anyway, first things first and I’m hopefully off to view a petrol FWD T6 soon. It’s super low mileage, FSH, AC, manual, colour coded body. I know a petrol isn’t that common, it’s 150 bhp and can be mapped for a bit more of needed, although I don’t plan on doing so.

Looking forward to starting the build.

Welcome and good luck! I’m assuming this is your first transporter as you say hopefully complete in a couple of months? Lol they are NEVER complete. Hahaha enjoy

 

[Niknak]

Welcome and good luck! I’m assuming this is your first transporter as you say hopefully complete in a couple of months? Lol they are NEVER complete. Hahaha enjoy

And when you think they are you start over again

 

[Kedlestone]

You could always spray the bottom half for a two tone paint job with the white T32

I actually thought about maybe a wrap on the lower half.

 

[Kedlestone]

Welcome and good luck! I’m assuming this is your first transporter as you say hopefully complete in a couple of months? Lol they are NEVER complete. Hahaha enjoy

Yeah my first, so far....It seems the hardest part so far is to find a good van to start with. I know they are out their. I’ll see how the two I have currently short listed stack up after viewing.

 

[mommabear]

Yeah my first, so far....It seems the hardest part so far is to find a good van to start with. I know they are out their. I’ll see how the two I have currently short listed stack up after viewing.

weve got a part conversion with a full width bed in if you're looking for a more swamper look, be ideal if you're into mountain biking.

 

[Rich Green]

Yeah my first, so far....It seems the hardest part so far is to find a good van to start with. I know they are out their. I’ll see how the two I have currently short listed stack up after viewing.

I’m on my first van also and although not massively modified If I would just look for one with a great engine. I wouldn’t be fussed on mileage as long as it drove well. External obviously wants to be as tidy as possible. The rest you will more than likely change.

 

[Bigsidavies]

I would seriously consider doing the windows yourself. I gave it a go and ultimately I thought it was easier than doing the carpeting.
Buy a couple of sucker attachments from screwfix and you get everything else you need in the fitting kit.
I used a slightly adapted nibbler drill attachment to cut out. No sparks or bits flying around and perfect neat smooth edges that don’t even need filing.

 

[Kedlestone]

I would seriously consider doing the windows yourself. I gave it a go and ultimately I thought it was easier than doing the carpeting.
Buy a couple of sucker attachments from screwfix and you get everything else you need in the fitting kit.
I used a slightly adapted nibbler drill attachment to cut out. No sparks or bits flying around and perfect neat smooth edges that don’t even need filing.

I was tempted on giving the windows ago, just cautious I guess being the first and messing up. Nothings booked in yet for fitting so time to still give it a go.

 

[Bigsidavies]

I was tempted on giving the windows ago, just cautious I guess being the first and messing up. Nothings booked in yet for fitting so time to still give it a go.

The outline of the window cutout is on the inside in the form of the metal frame if you like.
I ground a flat spot on the nibbler so it sat flat on that frame then just pressed it against the frame on the inside and followed it round. Took a matter of minutes and the edge is smooth once done.

 

[JOG]

The outline of the window cutout is on the inside in the form of the metal frame if you like.
I ground a flat spot on the nibbler so it sat flat on that frame then just pressed it against the frame on the inside and followed it round. Took a matter of minutes and the edge is smooth once done.

Have you got a link to the nibbler you used?

 

[Andysmee]

The outline of the window cutout is on the inside in the form of the metal frame if you like.
I ground a flat spot on the nibbler so it sat flat on that frame then just pressed it against the frame on the inside and followed it round. Took a matter of minutes and the edge is smooth once done.

This sounds awesome! Shame you didn't video it r something, might put some people out of a job!